Welcome to Roanoke Valley Field Notes, a collection of news and miscellaneous notes from the past week in the valley and a look ahead at what’s happening next week. Here’s my last edition if you missed it.
This week’s includes two endorsements for the Roanoke City Council Democratic primary, which is quickly approaching.
As always, email me at samantha@cardinalnews.org to share your thoughts, ideas, questions and concerns.
Rasoul endorses Clawson and Moore for Roanoke City Council
Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, is endorsing two of the five Democratic candidates running in the Aug. 4 Roanoke City Council party primary — Danny Clawson and Raekwon Moore.
Three party nominations will be decided next Tuesday. The other Democratic candidates are incumbents Vivian Sanchez-Jones and Peter Volosin, along with newcomer Harvey Brookins.
Clawson and Moore have posted excerpts to their social media of the endorsements. Rasoul has not sent any press releases or statements regarding the endorsements, but on Wednesday, Rasoul confirmed that the candidates’ social posts with his quotations are accurate.
In a text message, Rasoul said he appreciates both candidates’ “fresh positive messages and care for the community.”
Clawson quoted Rasoul, in a July 27 Instagram post, in saying Clawson has “a proven track record of showing up for Roanoke.”
“They consistently advocate for our local and global community with integrity and commitment. Their compassion for vulnerable members of our community shines through their work serving unhoused people with substance abuse disorder. They are not afraid to approach complex problems with bold solutions and fight until those solutions become a reality,” Clawson quoted Rasoul as saying.
Moore also took to his social media with the endorsement, quoting Rasoul as saying, “Raekwon is from this city, of the city, and for moving this city forward in a way that includes all of us.”
Prior coverage, and profiles of all five candidates running for three seats in the Democratic primary, can be found here.
Primary early voting continues until Aug 1.
“Roanoke Story Initiative” invites stories about Cave Spring
A new project in the valley invites anyone with stories about the historic community of Cave Spring to share them with the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation and the Roanoke City Library.
Each year, the RVPF and the library will choose a new historic community to highlight, inviting people connected to that community to share stories. The goal is to “build awareness of the places, people, and activities from the past that continue to shape identity and community connection today,” according to a press release.
In 2026, Cave Spring was added to Preservation Virginia’s list of endangered sites, due to commercial development that is replacing various aspects of the community’s history.
Cave Springs (with an “s,” as it was first known) started as a resting spot for tradesmen on their way to Big Lick — now Roanoke — due to its convenient location between three early transportation routes, the RVPF release said.
An open house at the Raleigh Court Library will be held on Aug. 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to bring stories, old photos, letters, documents and even oral histories — which will be recorded.
Those looking for more information can find it on the foundation’s website.
Roanoke City Police joins partnership with Center for Policing Equity
The Roanoke Police Department is launching a three-year partnership with the Center for Policing Equity in an effort to promote equitable policing and strengthen community trust, according to a press release.
The center is composed of a team of former law enforcement officials, scientists and policy experts who advocate for community-led policing and a shift in the criminal justice system toward equity, according to its website.
“Our mission is focused on reducing the harm caused by systemic racism, strengthening the connection between policy and progress, and collaborating with communities to secure Black liberation,” the website says.
Through the partnership, the city will analyze use-of-force data, vehicle stop data, calls for service and officer-initiated activity to create “actionable recommendations.”
“The best policing is policing that is willing to learn,” police Chief Scott Booth said in the release. “Together, we’ll use data, transparency, and community feedback to better understand what’s working, identify opportunities to improve, and ensure our strategies are effective, equitable, and accountable.”
Upcoming meetings:
The Roanoke City Council will meet at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Aug. 3. During the morning session, the council is set to receive a briefing on the recommendations to the city’s 2025 parking study.
Those results and recommendations will also be shared during a presentation Monday evening at the Berglund Center. The full agenda for Monday’s council meetings will be posted here.
